INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL CONTROL OPTIMIZATION OF LARGE ADAPTIVE SMART STRUCTURES/

The authors recently presented a general computational model for activ e control of large structures subjected to dynamic loadings such as im pact, earthquake, or wind loadings through integration of four differe nt technologies: control theory, optimization theory, sensor/actuator technology, and high-performance computing. In this extension of the r esearch, the computational model is generalized by simultaneous minimi zation of the weight of the structure and the required level of contro l forces. The solution of the integrated structural/control optimizati on problem For large structures requires high-performance computing re sources. A new parallel-vector algorithm has been developed for comput ation of the closed loop eigenvalue and damping factor sensitivities. The computational model and parallel vector algorithms have been appli ed to both steel bridge and multistorey space Frame structures subject ed to various types of dynamic loadings such as impulsive traffic, win d, and earthquake loadings. It is concluded that through adroit use of controllers, the weight of the minimum weight structure can be reduce d substantially. This research provides the foundation for design and construction of a new generation of high-technology adaptive/smart str uctures. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.